Abstract

Most parents and teachers unscientifically believe that the overweight persons are sluggish, lazy and sleepy therefore would not do well in academic performance. This study investigated the association of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-hip ratio (WHR) on academic performance of some few selected students of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Afikpo Ebonyi State, Nigeria. BMI, WHR were calculated and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) scores were used to collect data from 300 female students from six different Departments (50 students each Department). NDII and HNDII students were considered for this research. Their age range was between 19-28 years. Descriptive Body Mass Index analysis found 20 students underweight, 246 students with normal weights, 25 students were overweight, and 16 students were obesed while on academic performance, 31 students had distinction, 87 students had upper credit, 152 had lower credit and 50 students had pass. Descriptive waist-hip ratio analysis found 32 students underweight, 174 students had normal weights, 74 students were overweight and 20 were found to be obesed, while on academic performance, 1 student had distinction, 86 students had upper credit, 156 students had lower credit and 37 students were on pass category respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed no statistically significant (P > 0.05) differences in body mass index, waist-hip ratio and C.G.P.A. There was no significant association between body mass index, waist-hip ratio and academic performance. Body mass index (f= .579 r = 0.34 R2=0.31 t= .283. p=69>.05), waist hip ratio on academic performance (f=.182 r=.007, R2 = .004 t=.477, p=.141> 7.05) was observed. Therefore no basis to judge a student generally by body mass profile rather conducive learning environment, genetic and mental endowments would continue to influence academic performance of a student.